Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is hard and dry, and it can be challenging to cut. A parmesan cheese knife is a specialty knife designed to cut through hard cheeses like parmesan. It has a sharp, pointed edge that breaks off chunks of hard cheese and cuts through rinds. The knife comes in two styles: the bell cheese knife with an arrowhead-shaped blade and the compact cheese knife with a shark tooth-shaped blade. Both styles perform the same function. Parmesan cheese knives are typically lightweight and balanced, with a comfortable grip, and are designed to be durable and hygienic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Hard and dry cheeses like Parmesan, Cheshire, and Stilton |
| Blade design | Compact, triangular stubby blade with a sharp pointed edge |
| Function | Breaking off chunks from large cheese wedges, cutting rinds |
| Styles | Bell cheese knife, compact cheese knife |
| Handle | Hollow, lightweight, ergonomic, balanced grip |
| Blade thickness | Variable, some reviews note that it is not very sharp |
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What You'll Learn
How to hold a parmesan cheese knife
Parmesan cheese knives are designed for hard cheeses and feature a pointed edge for breaking off chunks and a sharp edge for cutting rinds. They come in two styles: the bell cheese knife, with an arrowhead-shaped blade, and the compact cheese knife, with a shark-tooth-shaped blade. Both styles perform the same function when cutting cheese.
When holding a parmesan cheese knife, it is important to use a pinch grip. First, curl your fingers around the handle, ensuring that your thumb and index finger are pinching the base of the blade. This grip will give you more control when cutting or breaking off chunks of hard cheese.
The placement of the handle on a parmesan cheese knife is designed to keep your knuckles from hitting the cutting board. The handle of a parmesan cheese knife is typically ergonomic, with a hollow stainless steel design that offers a lightweight, balanced grip for comfort and control.
When cutting a wedge of parmesan cheese, always slice it lengthwise from the centre to the outer edge. This will preserve the shape and allow you to experience the full spectrum of flavours in each slice, as cheeses ripen from the outside in. For blocks or logs of parmesan, start at one end and cut straight down to make even slices.
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How to cut hard cheese with a parmesan knife
Parmesan cheese knives are designed for hard cheeses like Parmesan, Cheshire, and Stilton. They are ideal for slicing or breaking into firm cheese blocks. The knife features a pointed edge made for breaking off chunks of hard and dry cheeses. It also has a sharp edge to cut rinds open. Parmesan knives come in two different styles: the bell cheese knife, which has an arrowhead-shaped blade, and the compact cheese knife, which has a blade that resembles a shark tooth.
When using a parmesan cheese knife, you can make clean cuts or use a twisting motion to break off chunks from large cheese wedges. The knife's rigid blade will prevent it from bending when breaking into very hard cheese. You can use the tip or blade to break or crumble semi-hard or very hard cheeses.
The placement of the handle on a parmesan cheese knife is designed to keep your knuckles from hitting the board. The handle is often hollow, made of stainless steel, and designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a lightweight, balanced grip for comfort and control during use.
To cut hard cheese with a parmesan knife, place the cheese on a cutting board. Hold the knife with a comfortable grip, using the ergonomic handle to guide your grip. Gently twist the knife or use a slicing motion to cut or break off a desired amount of cheese. Remember to use a separate knife for each type of cheese to follow dining etiquette.
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How to cut through a cheese rind with a parmesan knife
A Parmesan cheese knife is ideal for cutting through hard, dry, and crumbly cheeses. It is designed to break off chunks of hard cheese and cut through rinds. There are two types of Parmesan knives: the bell cheese knife, which has an arrowhead-shaped blade, and the compact cheese knife, which has a shark tooth-shaped blade. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut through a cheese rind with a Parmesan knife:
Step 1: Position the Cheese
Place the wheel of cheese horizontally on a flat surface. If you are working with a wedge of cheese, lay it on one of its cut sides.
Step 2: Cut the Top and Bottom Rinds
Using a Parmesan knife, carefully trim off the top and bottom rinds of the cheese. For a wheel of cheese, you can use a hooked knife to cut along the rind, following the line of the central dot, before using a Parmesan knife to cut through the rind.
Step 3: Slice the Cheese
If you are working with a wheel of cheese, divide it into halves, quarters, or eighths. Insert a serrated-tip knife into the centre of the flat part and push it down, creating a fracture line. Then, insert a Parmesan knife where the flat part meets the side, turning the wheel as you go. For a wedge of cheese, cut through the wedge to create even, triangle-shaped slices with the rind on one end.
Step 4: Break Off Chunks
Use the pointed edge of the Parmesan knife to break off chunks of cheese. This step is especially useful for very firm or crumbly cheeses, where smooth slices may not be possible.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Use a cheese fork to pick up the cut pieces of cheese and arrange them on a plate or cheese board. Enjoy your perfectly sliced cheese!
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How to use a parmesan knife for soft cheeses
Parmesan knives are typically used for hard and dry cheeses, such as Parmesan, Cheshire, and Stilton. They are designed to break off chunks from large blocks of hard cheese or to slice through them. Parmesan knives are not usually used for soft cheeses.
However, according to one Amazon review, the Swissmar Parmesan Cheese Knife works well for thinly slicing softer cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar. This knife is made from premium 18/10 stainless steel and has a compact 7.5" blade, which provides excellent precision and leverage. Its ergonomic design offers a comfortable grip.
If you are looking for a knife to cut a wider range of soft cheeses, you might consider a soft cheese knife, which features holes in the blade to prevent soft cheeses from sticking. You could also use a slim-blade knife, which has very little surface area for the cheese to stick to, or a pronged knife, which can be used for a variety of cheeses ranging from semi-soft to hard.
For very soft cheeses, you could use a cheese wire, which can cut through the cheese without crushing it. You could also use a cheese spreader, which is made for applying creamy cheeses to bread and crackers.
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How to clean and maintain a parmesan cheese knife
To clean and maintain a parmesan cheese knife, it is recommended to handwash with warm water and a gentle detergent. The knife should then be dried immediately after use. If your knife is made of olive wood, it is important to remember to never put it in the dishwasher. Instead, you should rub it with food-safe mineral oil or olive oil to season the wood. Re-oil the knife at least once a month or whenever the wood starts to look and feel dry.
Some parmesan cheese knives, however, are dishwasher-safe. For example, the Swissmar Parmesan Cheese Knife is made of stainless steel and can be cleaned in the dishwasher for easy, low-maintenance cleanup. Nevertheless, it is recommended to wash it by hand to maintain its sharpness for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
A Parmesan cheese knife is a type of hard cheese knife designed to cut through tough blocks of hard cheese, such as Parmesan, Cheshire, and Stilton. It has a sharp, pointed edge to break off chunks and cut rinds.
Parmesan cheese knives come in two styles: the bell cheese knife, which has an arrowhead-shaped blade, and the compact cheese knife, which has a shark tooth-shaped blade. Both perform the same function. They are typically made from stainless steel and have a lightweight, ergonomic handle.
The knife is used to cut or break off chunks of hard cheese. It can also be used to cut through rinds. The ergonomic handle is designed to keep your knuckles from hitting the board.
